Are you looking for a new place to call home in the coming year? If yes, then you’re not alone. In Q2 2023, around 51.9% of homeowners wished to make a move.
Whether for better career prospects, education opportunities, or affordable living, many Americans are looking for a change. Yet, high mortgage rates, expensive home prices, and rising living costs can make the moving process challenging.
Best Places to Live in the United States in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most beautiful cities to live in the US. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Green Bay, WI | 105,744 | $276,500 | $8,670 | 59/100 |
| 2. | Huntsville, AL | 225,564 | $340,950 | $8,222 | 56/100 |
| 3. | Raleigh, NC | 482,295 | $425,000 | $8,953 | 63/100 |
| 4. | Boulder, CO | 105,898 | $1,012,500 | $11,231 | 74/100 |
| 5. | Sarasota, FL | 57,602 | $495,000 | $8,767 | 61/100 |
| 6. | Naples, FL | 19,704 | $725,000 | $9,331 | 64/100 |
| 7. | Portland, ME | 69,104 | $677,500 | $10,076 | 64/100 |
| 8 | Austin, TX | 19,704 | $546,000 | $7,705 | 61/100 |
| 9 | Boise, ID | 235,421 | $546,000 | $8,223 | 59/100 |
| 10 | Madison, WI | 280,305 | $425,000 | $9,964 | 67/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in the US
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in America:
#1 Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is one of the best cities to live in the US.
- Median home price: $276,500.[2]
- Median household income in Green Bay: $59,174.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Green Bay, WI: 54311 | 54313 | 54302
Green Bay has small-town charm and big-city amenities. The city is known for its passionate football culture and is home to Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is 8% more affordable than the rest of the country.
Beyond sports, Green Bay boasts a vibrant arts scene. It hosts the Artstreet Festival and the Meyer Theatre. The city’s job market is expected to grow by 21.6% in the upcoming years.
» Green Bay, WI Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this city.
#2 Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is one of the best areas to live in the US.
- Median home price: $340,950.[2]
- Median household income in Huntsville: $67,874.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Huntsville, AL: 35811 | 35801 | 35803
Huntsville is an ideal college town and is home to the University of Alabama and Oakwood University. Space exploration and defense technologies are some of the most preferred domains of research education.
Huntsville has growing job opportunities in the tech industry. Some of the most popular tech companies, like Facebook and Google, have offices in Rocket City.
» Huntsville, AL Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in Huntsville.
#3 Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is one of the best places to live in America.
- Median home price: $425,000.[2]
- Median household income in Raleigh: $78,631.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 63/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Raleigh, NC: 27610 | 27603 | 27616
Raleigh has an 88% job satisfaction rate. The Research Triangle Park (RTP) has the headquarters of some of the biggest businesses in the country. Companies like MetLife, Red Hat, Citrix, etc. are located outside of RTP.
The Triangle has prominent higher education institutions as well. Duke University, Davidson College, and Wake Forest University are popular colleges in the area.
» Raleigh, NC Homes for Sale: View thousands of properties for sale in this city.
#4 Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is one of the best places to live in the US.
- Median home price: $1,012,500.[2]
- Median household income in Boulder: $80,243.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 74/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Boulder, CO: 80302 | 80304 | 80301
Boulder has been named the “happiest city” in the country. The city also has various meditation and community centers for the mental well-being of its residents. Popular ones include Bohemia Boulder and the Boulder Shambhala Center.
The average rent for an 828 sq. ft. apartment in Boulder is $2,510. Boulder has a robust tech industry and hosts major tech companies like Twitter, Apple, and Google.
» Boulder, CO Homes For Sale: Discover new property listings in the happiest city.
#5 Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is one of the best cities to live in America.
- Median home price: $495,000.[2]
- Median household income in Sarasota: $68,870.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Sarasota, FL: 34231 | 34236 | 34242
Sarasota is a coastal paradise known for its beautiful beaches, cultural scene, and vibrant arts community. The cost of living is 4% higher than the national average.
In addition, with a 3.9% low unemployment rate, the city attracts young professionals each year. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Sun Hydraulics are among the prominent employers.
» Sarasota, FL Homes For Sale: Find your dream home in this beach town.
#6 Naples, Florida
Naples is one of the best places to live in the US.
- Median home price: $725,000.[2]
- Median household income in Naples: $135,657.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Naples, FL: 34108 | 34120 | 34114
Naples is a picturesque city on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and white sandy beaches. The average rent for a 1,017 sq. ft. apartment in Naples is $2,316.
Naples also has a strong job market, especially in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate. It has a projected growth rate of 49.36%. With a growing economy and a low unemployment rate, the city is ideal for professionals and entrepreneurs alike.
» Naples, FL Homes For Sale: View best luxurious properties for sale in Naples.
#7 Portland, Maine
Portland is one of the best cities to live in the US.
- Median home price: $677,500.[2]
- Median household income in Portland: $71,498.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
- Popular Zip Code in the Portland, ME: 04961
Portland has a solid public school system. Yarmouth Schools (a school district) ranks #3 best in the state. Other popular schools include Longfellow School-Portland, Ocean Avenue, and Harrison Lyseth Elementary School.
Apart from good schools, Portland is the 10th best city to live in the USA for jobs. The city’s low unemployment rate of 2.3% is lower than the national average of 4.3%. The sectors with the fastest growth include manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.
» Portland, ME Homes For Sale: Find best properties in the Portland neighborhood.
#8 Austin, Texas
Austin is one of the best places to live in America.
- Median home price: $546,000.[2]
- Median household income in Austin: $86,556.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Austin, TX: 78704 | 78745 | 78705
Austin is known for its booming tech industry and growing job market, earning it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” Companies like Dell, Apple, and Tesla have major operations here. Also, the city’s job market is projected to grow by 47.8% in the next decade.
Additionally, the city is a hub for live music, art, and dining experiences. The SXSW festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival are among the major events. The city is also affordable compared to other tech hubs like NYC and Washington, D.C.
» Austin, TX Homes For Sale: Explore the best properties in Austin.
#9 Boise, Idaho
Boise is one of the best areas to live in America.
- Median home price: $546,000.[2]
- Median household income in Boise: $76,402.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- Popular Zip Code in the Boise, ID: 83712
Boise is 13% more affordable than other Western cities, like Portland and Sacramento. The job market is projected to grow by 39.8% in the upcoming years. The city’s economy thrives in industries such as tech, agriculture, and healthcare.
The city also offers access to outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, and more. Popular spots include the Boise River Greenbelt and Bogus Basin.
» Homes For Sale in Boise, ID: Find affordable homes in this fast-growing city.
#10 Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is one of the best places to live in the US.
- Median home price: $546,000.[2]
- Median household income in Madison: $86,556.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Madison, WI: 53704 | 53718 | 53719
Madison has excellent rankings for both education and healthcare. It is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, ranked #1 out of 255 universities. Also, its UW Health University Hospital ranks among the best in the nation.
The city’s job market is expected to grow by 37.26% over the next decade, primarily in the tech, education, and healthcare sectors. The city also hosts popular local events like Dane County Farmers’ Market and the Wisconsin Film Festival.
» Madison, WI Homes For Sale: Find the best property listings in this vibrant city.
Best Places to Live in the US Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Bellevue, WA | Naperville, IL | The Woodlands, TX |
| Young Professionals | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO |
| Retirees | Boston, MA | Minneapolis, MN | Philadelphia, PA |
So, Where Is the Best Place to Live in the US?
Green Bay, Huntsville, and Raleigh are among the best cities to live in the US. They offer a comfortable life with affordable living costs, growing job markets, and excellent quality of life.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, home-buying demand is rising across the US. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in the US
We researched several cities across all states to rank the best places in the US. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in the US and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Demographic Reports [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities in the USA to live in for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Best Places to Live Near You
| Region | Best Places to Live Near Me |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont |
| Midwest | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri| Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin |
| South | Alabama | Arkansas | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Mississippi | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | District of Columbia | West Virginia |
| West | Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oregon | Utah | Washington State | Wyoming |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one place to live in the US?
Green Bay, Wisconsin is the #1 place to live in the US. The city offers a low cost of living, affordable housing, and a good quality of life.
What city has the highest quality of life in America?
Green Bay City in Wisconsin has the highest quality of life in America. Discover other best cities to live in the USA.
Where is everyone moving to in 2024?
Most people in 2024 are moving to Florida. Tax exemptions, sunny climate, and affordable living are the contributing factors. Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Tampa are some of the best places to live in FL.
Where is the safest place to live in America?
Broadview Heights, Ohio, is the safest place to live in America. The crime rate in this city stands at 0.1%. Discover other safe places to live in the US.
